Hiking Provence's hilltop villages, sun-drenched valleys and the Pont du Gard
Key Facts
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Seven nights, with six days of hiking and arrivals any day, all year round.
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A drive-hike tour, using your car or a hire car, starting in Pont-Saint-Esprit and finishing in Uzes. For an inn-to-inn version of the tour, visit: Walking Provence-West.
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Superior quality, 3-star hotels.
Please click through the headings below or simply scroll on down the page.
a) Theme
Hiking Provence-Gard is a mix of light hiking and touring by car around some of Provence's most picturesque valleys, villages and gorges - not to mention the piece de resistance, The Pont du Gard itself . Voila! That's the essence of the experience: a fabulous walking tour set in the lower reaches of the beautiful Ceze Valley and the Gardon and Alzon gorges.
Hiking Provence-Gard starts in the north-west corner of Provence, along the Ardeche gorge and in commune of 'Valcezard.' Its sixteen villages are either huddled in the bottom of the valley or perched on the top of steep-sided hills. You gain fascinating insights into the life of these villages whilst enjoying fine views on exhilarating bucolic hikes. You also get the chance to visit a 13th century Carthusian monastery and some fascinating waterfalls to boot.
Then you explore Royalist Uzes and its hinterland, the region’s most enigmatic town. The Saturday market is a must. Finally, but by no means just an afterthought, our hiking Provence experience has its own unique grande finalé: a half day's hike to the magnificent Roman aqueduct, The Pont du Gard.
Hiking Provence-Gard optimises light, self-guided hiking and independent travel by hire car or your own vehicle. If you would like to do the tour without a car, click here.
b) Further Information
c) Model Programme: Hiking Provence-Gard
Day 1. Pont-Saint-Esprit.
Arrival at your starting point: "La Porte de la Provence," situated in the north of Le Gard, on the banks of The Rhône and the edge of Provence and Ardèche.
First night in Pont-Saint-Esprit.
Day 2. Walk the Ardeche Gorge: 5 miles-8kms.
Welcome to one of the “Plus Beau Villages de France” perched on its eagle’s nest overlooking the Gorge de l’Ardeche. The views up and downstream are spectacular and the walk through the Garrigue rich in Mediterranean floral delights.
Second night in Pont-Saint-Esprit.
Day 3. La Chartreuse - 4 miles-7 kms
You discover the imposing hilltop village of Roc, en route to some fascinating waterfalls. After lunch there is a chance to learn more about the natural riches of the forest via a short botanical walk near La Chartreuse de Valbonne, the 13th C Carthusian monastery: 2 miles-3 kms.
Night near Goudargues.
Day 4. The French Venice – 5.5 miles-9 kms.
Your hiking in Provence today involves a gentle climb to a fortified village with its ramparts, feudal castle, twelfth century chapel and outstanding view over the lower Ceze Valley. Then descend once again into the wonderful aromas of the garrigue towards the enchanting Goudargues and its tree-lined canals.
Second night near Goudargues.
Day 5. Monclus and Dent du Serret. 5 miles-7.5 kms.
This charming medieval village and its castle are both officially classified as historical monuments, whilst the short hike takes you to a fascinating vantage point on the meandering Ceze valley.
First night in Uzes.
Day 6. Uzes and its Gorge. 10 miles-15kms.
Before you enjoy wending your way around the narrow streets and alleyways of this multi-faceted town, here is the chance to see it as very few others do. A delightful tour of the gorge that will reveal the source that fed the Pont du Gard, two castles, a bee farm and some memorable views of Uzes from the other side.
Second night in Uzes.
Day 7. Pont du Gard. 11.5 miles-17 kms, with shorter version at 7.5 miles-11kms.
Commence the day at a tenth-century medieval village and walk the panorama that culminates in Pont du Gard and the Gardon Gorge. Then its up the hill to Castillion, with its gourmet hotel and restaurant (much loved by Gerrard Depardieu) and a visit to perhaps the loveliest cemetery in Le Midi, with a view that’s almost worth dying for.
Third night in Uzes.
Day 8. End of your Provence hiking tour
Breakfast, au revoir et bonne route!
Optional extras include:
i. Visiting The Gard’s last remaining lavender distillery;
ii. A botanical footpath of 2.2 kms length from which to enjoy both The
iii. Mediterranean flora and the ubiquitous and enchanting Ceze valley;
iv. Entrance to La Chartreuse de Valbonne and the eleventh - century monastry’s vineyard and cellars.
v. Extra walk along the Gorge de L'Ardeche cliff tops;
vi. Visit to Uzes Cathedral, Tour Fenestrelle, castle and Medieval gardens;
vii. Pont du Gard visitor centre;
vii. Uzes Saturday market.
d) Access
Pont-Saint-Esprit is located just north of Bagnols sur Ceze. Easy and convenient access by car is from the north, dir. Lyon, via the A7 autoroute, or by the A9 from Montpellier or Nimes.
If you travel by train and collect your hire car in France, the nearest TGV rail station is Avignon, with Nimes not far behind.
The journey times to your first hotel are from...
e) Accommodation
The standard of accommodation on this Provence walking tour has been selected to provide the highest levels of character, comfort and service. The hotels are 3-star standard, with outdoor swimming pools where possible.
You spend:
 
f) What's included in Hiking Gard-Provence
Included
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7 nights B & B
- Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
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Themed vacation dossier
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Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information
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Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup
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Loan of mobile phone where required - subject to availability.
Not included
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Single rooms
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Remaining meals
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Hir car, insurance or gas/petrol
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Personal expenses
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Travel, walking and personal insurance
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Travel and entrances to optional cultural visits and sightseeing programme.
g) Prices 2010: Hiking Provence-Gard
Price per person based on 2 persons £565.00 or €625.00 or $935.00
sharing double room
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